The Cobalt Milkweed Beetle

It’s monsoon and all life is enjoying the fruits of nature at its best. This is an opportunity for new life to thrive and welcome new generation. World of plants and animals show outstanding relationship this time. Such examples are so brilliantly displayed in nature. One of them is the Cobalt Milkweed Beetle and milkweed plant interaction.

• 

• 

• 

Cobalt Milkweed Blue Beetle is extraordinary colourful and that’s why the name. It’s a small metallic blue coloured insect, observed in close association with milkweed plants. Each leaf of milkweed potentially is a home for the these beetles to start their life as couple. Leaves give shelter and food, both to the beetle. One can also see them mating, laying eggs and see them grow as well.

Enjoy some of the images/video attached. Hope you like them.

Birds and the farms

Under the Watch: A Dog looks as birds feed in the agricultural landscape of Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Count us: waterbirds enjoy a food festival in a farm

Patiently waiting for lunch to swim close.

DARK ROADS: Barn Owl!!!

Roads are considered a sign of progress for humans. But for other species it may not be.

While driving on Taj Express Way, between Delhi and Lucknow, one can see many species struggling to survive this mega infrastructure. Some find their way out and some are not so lucky. This photographs shows the bad luck of a Barn Owl. This Barn Owl died few minutes (concluding after looking at the state of the body) before being photographed. I did remove the body from the road as it may attract other animals on the road.

I would suggest the NHAI authority, responsible for development of highways in India, to put signs directing the drivers to keep a count of such kills on the road. It may not stop the killing but it may inspire many drivers to observe a more responsible/ethical behaviour towards animals. This will also ensure reduction in accidents and save few human lives.